Garbage Truck Driver Salary in Washington
A garbage truck driver in Washington earns about $71,690 a year — roughly $34.47 an hour— on average. That’s about 36% above the national average for the job.
Washington average
$71,690
per year
Per hour
$34.47
estimated
vs. national
+36%
national avg $52,820
Pay for garbage truck drivers in Washington tracks the same things it does everywhere: the route type (residential pays least, commercial and roll-off pay more), whether the job is with a city or a union, overtime, and your CDL class and record. Washington sits above the national average, largely because of higher cost of living and a stronger presence of municipal and union employers.
Want the full breakdown of how the pay is set and how to move up the scale? Read the complete garbage truck driver salary guide — it covers the national pay range, what raises your number, and how to earn more.
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Washington garbage truck driver pay — common questions
How much do garbage truck drivers make in Washington?+
Garbage truck drivers (refuse and recyclable material collectors) in Washington earn about $71,690 a year on average — roughly $34.47 an hour — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's about 36% above the national average.
Do you need a CDL to drive a garbage truck in Washington?+
Yes — like the rest of the country, Washington requires a commercial driver's license for most routes. A Class B CDL covers a standard rear- or side-loader; a Class A is needed for roll-off and transfer-trailer work, which also tends to pay more.
Wage figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), occupation 53-7081 — Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors, Washington state annual mean wage (May 2023, the latest published state data). Hourly is estimated from the annual mean. Your actual pay will vary by employer, route, and experience.